Patriots' Alfonzo Dennard arrested on suspicion of DUI

Jul. 11, 2013
|

New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard exits the Lancaster County courthouse in Lincoln, Neb., Thursday, April 11, 2013, behind his attorney Terry Dougherty, after being sentenced to two years probation, 100 hours of community service and 30 days in jail starting March 1, 2014. Dennard was found guilty of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest in an incident in Lincoln, Neb. last year. / Nati Harnik, AP

by Kevin Manahan, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Manahan, USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots defensive back Alfonzo Dennard is in trouble again.

Dennard, 23, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in Lincoln, Neb., early Thursday morning, police said.

Police said Dennard was alone in his car when he was stopped about 2 a.m., after police observed his Honda unable to stay in its lane. Police said he was arrested on suspicion of DUI, refusing a chemical test and a driving infraction.

Police spokeswoman Katie Flood said Dennard would not provide an adequate breath sample for testing. She added that because he was cited and released, no mug shot was taken. Dennard was given a court date of Aug. 13, she said.

The Patriots issued a statement saying, "The New England Patriots are extremely disappointed to learn of Alfonzo Dennard's arrest. We take this matter very seriously and are working to get more information on the incident."

Dennard, who is on two years probation, must serve a 30-day jail sentence in 2014 and perform 100 hours of community service for his conviction on a felony assault charge. That sentence stems from a dispute outside a Lincoln bar in April 2012, when Dennard was convicted of assaulting a police officer.

When Dennard was sentenced in April, his attorney, Terry Dougherty, said he would ask the court to reconsider the 30-day jail sentence before it is scheduled to begin in March 2014. Judge Stephanie Stacy, who allowed Dennard to delay his jail time until then to avoid interfering with his NFL season, said she would consider the motion, but she also delivered a warning to Dennard.

"There are a lot of people who are watching you - young athletes who will model your behavior, your attitudes, particularly about law enforcement," she said. "I hope this order of probation gives you an opportunity to set a positive example and positively influence people. I encourage you take advantage of that. Good luck to you."